Deschamps: France hopes of World Cup qualification at stake

With the seemingly impossible task of overhauling Spain to win Group I, les Bleus coach is urging his side to take full points to gave them a hope of being seeded in the play-offs

France boss Didier Deschamps hopes victories in their next two matches can boost their Fifa world ranking and secure their place as seeds ahead of the World Cup play-offs.

Les Bleus sit 25th in the world, below second-placed teams Croatia (10), Portugal (11), Greece (12) and Sweden (22), meaning they would not be seeded in the draw to determine play-off pairings as things stand.

However, with Spain leading Group I, Deschamps has already turned his attention towards gaining ranking points before the play-offs, and knows the incentive of securing a friendly win against Australia on Friday and final group victory over Finland on Tuesday.

“Yes, there is something at stake,” he told reporters.

“They’re not the two most exciting games, but they’re internationals.

“I don’t want people easing up and lacking concentration because 'it's only Australia and Finland'.

“Both are important, because we can earn some points and, given what awaits us in November, that can help us be among the seeded teams.”

Deschamps also commented on the status of defender Raphael Varane, striker Loic Remy and Samir Nasri, who has regained his spot in the team.

“Varane will probably not play 90 minutes in both games. I understand the fatigue fears of Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti.

“Remy comes into the squad on the back of good form for Newcastle. With the quality and speed he is an interesting player.

“Nasri can play two different positions, which means he can make two positive inputs. He has been decisive [this season], and we see he’s hungry. I want him to maintain this level.”